FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DCC DEDICATES SHAVER  FILM

COLLECTION AND LECTURE SERIES

DANVILLE, VA, April 14, 2005 – The “Robert V. Shaver Arts and Humanities Film Collection and

 Lecture Series” was formally dedicated recently at Danville Community College. The new collection recognizes and honors Shaver, a film buff and long-time college administrator and is housed in the Library of the Whittington W. Clement Learning Resources Center (LRC).

Participants in the ceremony included: Dr. Arnold R. Oliver, retired Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System and former DCC President; Richard G. Barkhouser, Vice Chair of the Danville Community College Board; Patrick L. Daly Sr., Chair of the Board of the Danville Community College Educational Foundation, Inc.; and Dr. Carlyle Ramsey, DCC President.

Other speakers and guests include Shaver’s pastor Rev. Jonathan Hamman and Dr. Gail Allen, both from Ascension Lutheran Church; and Shaver’s long-time co-worker, Carole McClanahan, a retired DCC English professor. There were numerous accolades for Shaver who served in various administrative capacities at the college. He was accompanied by his wife, Sue, and other family members.

Shaver, a native of Albemarle, NC, was recognized for his continued excellence in education. The long-time Danville resident began his teaching career at the Danville Branch of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) in September 1958. Shaver was among the faculty who assisted with the transition as Danville-VPI merged with Danville Technical Institute to form Danville Community College in 1968.

After serving as DCC’s Division Chair of Humanities and Social Sciences from 1968-86, Shaver accepted the position as Interim Dean of Instruction and Student Development from 1986-87. When DCC’s Humanities and Social Sciences Division merged with the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Division in 1987, Shaver was asked to serve as chair of the newly-created Arts and Sciences Division, a position he held until his retirement in August 1991. However the following year, he was asked to return as the college’s interim president during January and February 1992.

Shaver was responsible for the creation of many arts and humanities projects in the Arts & Sciences Division, including the annual DCC Celebration of the Arts, now in its 23^rd year. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from Duke University, and today he continues to teach and inspire students as an adjunct professor and tutor.

“We are pleased to celebrate the professional accomplishments of a gifted teacher, scholar and leader in higher education,” said DCC President Dr. Carlyle Ramsey. “These two additions to the college’s educational resources will be invaluable to students, faculty and staff.”

The Robert V. Shaver Arts and Humanities Film Collection will consist of movie videos, and digital video disks, most of which were selected by Shaver. The films will be used for instruction, as well as shown for special presentations. In addition, the Robert V. Shaver Arts and Humanities Lecture Series will offer an annual lecture series beginning in Fall Semester 2005.

            For more information about the film collection, please contact Martha Walker, Director of Institutional Advancement, at 434.797.8495, or toll free at 800.560.4291, ext. 8495. Walker can also be reached by email at mwalker@dcc.vccs.edu.